Chick Fil A Kale Salad

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that fresh, slightly sweet, slightly tangy Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe after your meal, you’re not alone. This salad has taken a side dish and turned it into a star. Packed with nutrient-rich kale, crunchy cabbage, toasted almonds, and a sweet and savory maple vinaigrette, this Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe is a wholesome and addictive addition to any meal or it can easily stand alone as lunch. The best part? It’s easy to make at home, with simple ingredients and no special tools.

Why You’ll Love This Chick Fil A Kale Salad

There’s a reason the Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe is so popular it’s the perfect blend of health and flavor. The hearty texture of kale, the satisfying crunch of cabbage and almonds, and the perfectly balanced maple vinaigrette make every bite satisfying. It feels indulgent but is incredibly nutrient-dense.

Even better, this homemade version lets you control the sweetness, fat, and freshness. It’s like the Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad in versatility perfect as a side, or toss in grilled chicken or tofu and you’ve got a main.

Pure Comfort from a Bowl of Chick Fil A Kale Salad

Yes, a salad can be comfort food too especially when it’s as thoughtfully crafted as the Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe. The textures are deeply satisfying, and the flavor hits every note: tangy, sweet, crunchy, and earthy. Whether you pair it with soup, grilled meat, or eat it solo on a cozy afternoon, this salad brings wholesome comfort.

Ingredients for Chick Fil A Kale Salad

3 cups curly kale, stemmed and finely chopped
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (optional)
⅓ cup shredded carrots (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

What You Need to Make Chick Fil A Kale Salad

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl or jar (for vinaigrette)
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

If you’re already a fan of prepping meals like Cottage Cheese Wraps, you likely have everything on hand.

Time to Cook Chick Fil A Kale Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Massage Time (for kale): 2–3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Steps to Make Chick Fil A Kale Salad

1. Prep the Greens

Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. Strip leaves from stems and finely chop. Add to a large bowl with a pinch of salt and massage with your hands for 2–3 minutes until tender and slightly darker in color.

2. Slice the Cabbage

Thinly slice the green cabbage. Combine it with the kale in the bowl.

3. Toast the Almonds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

5. Assemble

Add almonds (and optional sunflower seeds or carrots) to the greens. Pour over the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly.

6. Chill and Serve

Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to soak in the dressing before serving.

This method mirrors the ease of our Easy Flavorful Pasta Salad Recipe, with big returns for little effort.

Make Chick Fil A Kale Salad Perfect

• Use pre-chopped kale and cabbage for faster prep.
• Massage the kale this breaks down its fibers and reduces bitterness.
• Toast the almonds fresh for the best flavor.
• Make the dressing ahead of time it keeps for 1 week in the fridge.
• Add a little parmesan for extra umami.

Mix Chick Fil A Kale Salad Up

The base of the Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe is versatile. Try these variations:

• Add grilled chicken (try leftovers from Curry Chicken Salad)
• Use purple cabbage for color
• Toss in dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• Swap maple syrup for honey
• Use tahini instead of mustard for a creamier dressing
• Sprinkle with feta or goat cheese

Perfect Partners for Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

Pair it with:

• Grilled salmon or chicken
• A warm grain bowl with quinoa
• Creamy soups like tomato or squash
• Sweet potato fries
• Sandwiches or wraps

It’s a wonderful side for heartier dishes or can balance out something indulgent like Boursin Pasta.

Busy Day Hero

This salad is a lifesaver on hectic days. Chop and store your greens and cabbage early in the week. Mix your dressing in a mason jar and it’s ready for a quick toss together whenever hunger strikes.

Work Ahead

• Kale and cabbage stay crisp for days when prepped and stored dry.
• Toast almonds and keep them in an airtight container.
• Double the vinaigrette to use on other dishes.
• Add your protein fresh before serving for maximum freshness.

Save Some For Later

This salad stores well in the fridge. In fact, the kale gets better after a few hours in the vinaigrette. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, store the dressing separately and mix before eating.

For a meal-prep twist, pair it with our High Protein Overnight Oats for breakfast and you’re set for the day.

Everyone’s Happy with Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe

From health-conscious eaters to those who swear they don’t like kale, this recipe wins hearts. The trick is in the balance savory, sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Plus, the bright colors and bold flavor make it as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Good For You Too

Kale is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Cabbage supports digestion, and the vinaigrette is made from heart-healthy olive oil and natural sweetener. This salad supports your wellness goals while tasting anything but “diet.”

Easy Clean Up

Only one bowl, one jar, and a knife are needed. No cooking beyond a quick toast. It’s as cleanup-friendly as it is meal-prep friendly.

Switch Chick Fil A Kale Salad Up

Not in the mood for maple? No problem. Try these:

• Use lemon juice instead of vinegar
• Add miso to the dressing for depth
• Top with avocado or poached egg
• Try it warm lightly sauté the kale before assembling
• Add roasted chickpeas for crunch

Simply Perfect

Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that let the ingredients shine. The Chick Fil proves that a few high-quality components, treated with care, can produce something truly special. It’s clean, flavorful, and satisfying enough to enjoy again and again.

FAQs for Chick Fil A Kale Salad

1. Can I use bagged kale?

Yes! Just be sure it’s fresh and de-stemmed. Massage it for best results.

2. Can I skip the almonds?

Of course try sunflower seeds, walnuts, or leave them out.

3. Is it vegan?

Yes, as written. Just ensure your mustard and maple syrup are vegan-certified.

4. Can I meal prep this?

Definitely! Store greens and dressing separately and mix when ready to eat.

5. Can I use red wine vinegar?

Yes, though apple cider vinegar gives a slightly sweeter, fruitier note.

6. How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days if dressed. Up to 5 days if greens and dressing are stored separately.

Conclusion

Wholesome, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make, the Chick Fil deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Whether you’re serving it as a side, taking it for lunch, or dressing it up as a main course, it always delivers. Better yet, making it at home means you can customize it, save money, and enjoy every crunchy, satisfying bite.

Craving more like this? Pair it with our Delicious Grilled Chicken Salad or explore other fresh options like our Curry Chicken Salad for more ways to love your greens.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Chick Fil A Kale Salad

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and crunchy Chick Fil A Kale Salad recipe made with kale, cabbage, almonds, and a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette for the perfect copycat dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups curly kale, stemmed and finely chopped
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (optional)
⅓ cup shredded carrots (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Wash and dry the kale thoroughly, then remove stems and chop finely.
Massage kale with a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes until tender and darker in color.
Thinly slice green cabbage and combine with kale in a large salad bowl.
Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
Add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and carrots (if using) to the salad bowl.
Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to combine.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Massage kale thoroughly for a more tender texture and better flavor absorption. For added protein, top with grilled chicken or tofu. Swap maple syrup with honey or change up the nuts and seeds for a different texture profile. The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Chick Fil A kale salad, kale cabbage salad, maple Dijon kale salad, copycat kale crunch